Thanks to its location on the East Coast Flyway, birders flock to Maine each spring and fall, hoping to add another species to their life lists. Most Maine birding festivals have activities for everyone, from first-timers to experts. These include guided hikes and boat tours, lectures, and other presentations. The most popular activities tend to fill quickly, so plan ahead. This year, due to Covid-19, expect reduced numbers for social distancing and some programs offered online. (updated Feb. 25, 2023)

2026 Maine birding festivals

Wings, Waves & Woods, May 13-17, 2026

Island Heritage Trust coordinates this annual festival, with most events held on Deer Isle. Nearly two-dozen species of warblers as well as nesting and breeding shorebirds may be sighted on guided walks through the trust’s preserves. Boat trips provide the opportunity to view puffins, razorbills, and northern gannets. Event activities also include talks, workshops, and more.

Down East Bird Fest, May 22-25, 2026

Trescott is the headquarters for this annual festival. Activities occur in the Cobscook Bay Area, including Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in Baring and Edmunds. According to organizers, the Cobscook Bay region offers the “greatest habitat variety on the East Coast.” Birders in this region have identified nearly three-quarters of the more than 400 bird species sighted in Maine. Habitats include boreal and northern hardwood forests, bogs, fresh- and salt-water marshes, grassy and shrubby fields, streams and lakes, steep and rugged headlands, extensive tidal flats, and coastal islands.

Acadia Birding Festival, May 28-31, 2026

Activities for this annual Maine birding festival occur throughout the Acadia region, including Mount Desert Island (the alleged warbler capital of the world) and the Petit Manan section of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Activities include field trips, van trips, boat trips, and virtual, with fees varying by activity. Pre- and post-trips are usually offered.

Feathers Over Freeport, May 30-31, 2026

This festival, free with park admission, offers weekend activities, such as bird walks, hawk watch, vernal pool exploration, and fun for all ages at Bradbury Mountain State Park, 8 am to 4 pm on May 30, and at Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, 10 am-2 pm on May 31.

Rangeley Birding Festival, June 4-7, 2026

The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust and Maine Audubon present this festival in the Rangeley Lakes region of Maine’s western lakes and mountains. The promise: The best boreal birding in Maine’s western mountains. Activities include guided walks and hikes in varied habitats.

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During the annual Founder’s Day charity event in Paris, Maine, you can view more than 50 extraordinary antique and classic cars. The Bahre Antique Car Collection opens its doors to the public only one day each year. The collection is fabulous, and its hilltop location at the birthplace of Hannibal Hamlin, Lincoln’s first vice president, complements it.

Bahre Antique Car Collection highlights

• Rare Packards such as Dietrich V-windshield body styles and LeBaron V-windshield body styles on the Packard 12 chassis for 1932-34, the one-off front-wheel-drive prototype sedan, and a 1906 Model S touring car;
• Duesenbergs, Cadillac, Stutz, and Graham-Paige;
• foreign classics such as Delahaye, Isotta Fraschini, Hispano-Suiza, Mercedes-Benz and Alfa-Romeo;
• an eclectic grouping of brass-era cars (including two electric vehicles), a Tucker, a Harley-Davidson, the original Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang II from 1921;
• later-model sports cars.

In addition, visitors can view an antique doll and toy collection, horse-drawn carriages, player pianos, old phonographs, table-top instruments, and a jukebox.

Details, details…

The Founders Day event always takes place from 9 am to 5 pm on the third Saturday of July. Admission is $15 per adult and $2 per child age 12 and younger. Proceeds benefit the Hamlin Memorial Library & Museum on Paris Hill. Founder’s Day also includes vendors on the village green.

What else…

Lunch options are available. While here, enjoy a craft fair on the Village Green.

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Every spring, Hospitality for Habitat offers 50% off participating properties. With this program, presented by Hospitality Maine, you can check into one of Maine’s finer accommodations at a great rate while helping a working Maine family put a permanent roof over their heads. Usually, more than a dozen Maine accommodations participate, offering a set number of rooms at half the regular rate. Yup, you read that right. This cheap-sleeps deal delivers a 50% discount off what are usually low off-season rates at this time of year.

When and where is this money-saving program offered?

The program usually runs from April into May, but some properties extend the season. Here are the current options:

Inn By The Sea, Cape Elizabeth – From Nov. 7, 2025 – May 8, 2026
The Beachmere Inn, Oqunquit –  Call for dates
The Kennebunk Inn, Kennebunk – Now to May 21, 2026
The Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport – May 4-31, 2026
Village By The Sea, Wells – From April 17-May 21, 2026

How does Hospitality for Habitat work?

So here’s the deal: Make reservations to check into a Maine lodging property between mid-April and late May and get 50 percent off the regular rate, courtesy of Hospitality Maine’s annual Hospitality for Habitat program. The catch? You must write a $35 (minimum) check to Habitat for Humanity. That organization gives a hand up, not a handout, to deserving working families.

All contributions support Habitat chapters in Maine. So far, more than $400,000 has been raised through this program.

I love this promo because everyone wins:

• Guests get a reasonable rate,

• Accommodations sell rooms during a quiet season,

• Workers at participating properties earn tips and perhaps get more hours,

• And it helps put a permanent roof over the heads of deserving Maine families.

Hospitality for Habitat details

Participating properties usually include B&Bs, boutique hotels, fancy inns, chain motels, and full-scale resorts. Some restrict the offer to specific rooms or dates or have a minimum stay. But in any case, what a deal! And one you can feel good about enjoying.

The list of participating properties grows as more accommodations sign on. Check back regularly.

Fine print: Each property may limit the number of rooms available for this promo. Reservations are required. The contribution to Habitat for Humanity must be made by check.

And, if these dates don’t work, check out my Cheap Sleeps options: Most aren’t as fancy, but the price is right.

The post Hospitality for Habitat offers 50 percent off primo Maine lodgings appeared first on Maine Travel Maven.

Maine Maple Sunday Weekend, when Maine’s maple syrup producers strut their sap, is the sweetest day of the year. On the fourth Sunday of March, Maine’s maple sugar houses, farms, and related sites hold open houses. It’s a delicious opportunity and an especially family-friendly event. An interactive map makes it easy to find participating sites and what they’re offering.

Stop by one of the many participating farms and learn how maple syrup is made, from tap to table: It takes 40 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of syrup. You’ll also discover the different grades of syrup. Some farms offer sugarbush tours, wagon rides, and other special activities.

The best part, of course, is sampling the sweet goodness. Events and tastings include pancake breakfasts, ice cream sundaes, maple cotton candy, and just about anything with a maple twist. This season, given the plentiful snow upcountry, look for sugar on snow (maple syrup poured over snow and hardened into a taffy). Now that’s a sweet thought.

And if you’re looking for something to make with that syrup, here’s a recipe for Maine maple walnut pie.

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Take time to smell the flowers during annual garden tours and flower festivals throughout Maine. While most tours occur on only one day each summer, a few are spread out over the season. Hint: Buy tickets in advance when possible, as they usually are less expensive (but note that tours are usually rain or shine, so you take your chances with the weather).

This is a work in progress, and I’ll keep updating this with new information and tours as I receive info. Updated April 23, 2026

2026 Maine Garden Tours

McLaughlin Garden Annual Lilac Festival

What: View more than 125 different varieties and more than 200 lilac trees. Tour on your own or join the 11 am Lilac Care Guided Tour led by horticulturist. See site for other festival activities. (Note: on website, be sure to click through to each day to see specific activities).

When: May 22-25, 2026; 10am-4pm daily

Cost: $5 admission

Viles Arboretum Lilac Festival

What: Festival celebrating nature, creativity, and community. Viles’ collection includes Japanese tree lilacs, Meyer lilac, and Common Lilac.

When: May 23, 2026, 10am-4pm

Cost: $5

What else: Event includes a Makers Market featuring local vendors, American Chestnut seedlings (order in advance on website), and live entertainment.

2026 Woodfords Community Garden Tour

What: Tour more than 10 gardens on a self-guided tour of gardens throughout the Woodfords Corner Community: Back Cove, Deering Highlands, Oakdale, and Deering Center.

When: June 13, 2026; 1-4pm (June 8 rain date)

Cost: $20 donation is suggested, but pay what you can.

Hidden Homes, Gardens, and Houses of Worship

What: annual self-guided tour of private homes, galleries, and gardens in Bath

When: June 13, 2026; 10am-2pm

Cost: $40 in advance, $45 day of tour; benefits Sagadahoc Preservation, Inc.

What else: Music by the Montsweaggers.

Peony Society of Maine Garden Tour

What: Self-guided tour of five gardens

When: June 13 and 20, 2026; 10am-3pm

Cost: $5 donation per guest; benefits Peony Society efforts to educate and propagate.

What else: Tour of five gardens; details to come

Celia Thaxter’s Garden Tours on Appledore Island

What: Walking tour of the restored garden of 19th-century poet and writer Celia Thaxter, author of An Island Garden.

When: June 13, 20, 27; July 3, 11, 17, 25; August 1, 7, 15, 2026

Cost: $120, includes parking, round-trip transportation from New Castle, N.H., guided tour, and buffet lunch. Registration opens mid-March.

What else: Participants access the island via a 45-minute cruise aboard a research vessel and, once on the island, walk 2-3 miles over rugged terrain. Reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance, and each tour is limited to 33 participants.

Open Days at Garland Farm, Bar Harbor

What: Garland Farm, the ancestral home of Lewis Garland, property manager for landscape architect Beatrix Farrand’s famed Reef Point property, and Farrand’s home and gardens. Farrand moved here after dismantling Reef Point in 1955, and worked with architect Robert Patterson to design the addition where she lived, using some of the architectural pieces and furnishings she had saved. The house, library, and garden are open to visitors for guided house and self-guided garden tours as follows.

When: Thursdays, June 18-Sept. 17, 2026; noon-4pm

Cost: $5 donation

What else: Take a self-guided tour of the grounds and/or join a docent-led one of the house.

The Garden Conservancy Beckett Castle Open Garden Day

What: Self-guided tour of Beckett Castle Rose Garden in Cape Elizabeth. This oceanfront garden comprises more than 70 varieties of heirloom roses. A 50-foot-high stone tower entry gate doubles as a rose arbor. Sylvester Beckett built the neo-Gothic house in 1871.

When: June 27, 2026; 1-4pm

Cost: $10/nonmember

What else: Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and expect uneven terrain and unpaved paths. They must traverse an upward slope to exit the garden. The property is home to Hogfish, a nonprofit regenerative arts movement. Live music will be performed during the day.

Belfast Open Garden Days

What: One garden in greater Belfast is open on Saturdays, rain or shine

When: 10am-4pm Saturdays, June 27; July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8, 16, 22, 2026

Cost: $5 suggested donation per garden or season ticket for $35; a check or exact change is appreciated. Proceeds benefit the maintenance of 13 local public gardens and scholarships for Waldo County students studying horticulture and related subjects.

What else: No restrooms at the gardens. No dogs. Photography is allowed only with permission.

Secret Gardens of the Kennebunks

What: Tour seven private gardens in a wide variety of styles and plantings. a pop-up garden boutique and lunch from the Texas Grace food truck will be available.

When: July 11, 2026; 10am-3pm

Cost: $60 in advance online or at the library, day-of tix are $70; benefits Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library.

What else: View a variety of garden styles and plant collections, with volunteers at each location.

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden Open Garden Days

What: Self-guided tour of the Walled Garden and The Eyrie Terrace, the former home site of John D. Jr. and Abby Rockefeller, Seal Harbor, on Mount Desert Island. (Note: This is one of my favorite Maine garden tours)

When: July 14-Sept. 13, 2026; noon-4pm. 

Cost: $15 ($10 for age 65 and older, full-time students, year-round MDI residents, and active military); reservations open March 20.

What else: Membership in the Land and Garden Preserve has benefits worth checking out; rates begin at $50 ($25 ages 65+, full-time students, year-round MDI residents, and active military). Check out the perks, such as free or very discounted passes, and consider joining for early access to reservations, even if you’re only visiting briefly.

Camden House and Garden Tour

What: 77th Annual Garden Tour presented by the Camden Garden Club for more than 75 years.

When: July 16, 2026, 9am-4pm

Cost: TBA; tickets available May 1

What else: 

Brunswick in Bloom Garden Tour

What: self-guided garden tour of 8 private gardens

When: July 18, 2026, 10am-3pm

Cost: $35, available online

What else: Garden party at 3pm following the tour for ticket holders. Benefits free medical and dental services provided by Oasis Free Clinics.

Tea By The Sea Summer Home and Garden Market 

What: Garden market and tea

When: July 19, 10 am and 2 pm seatings

Cost: $55 in advance; benefits scholarships for advanced education in ecology, marine biology, horticulture, botany, and earth sciences as well as YMCA Camperships for local children.

What else: This event at the Boothbay Yacht Club replaces the tour for this year.

Garden Club of Mount Desert Open Garden Day

What: walking tour of seven gorgeous gardens in Northeast Harbor

When: July 25, 2026; 10am-4pm

Cost: $50, available online

What else: benefits nonprofit organizations promoting horticulture and/or conservation projects. Gardens are not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.

Wiscasset Homes on Tour

What: Historical private homes in Wiscasset village and the surrounding area

When: Sat. Oct. 17, 2026, 11am-4pm

Cost: TBA

What else: 

Previous Maine Garden Tours

(awaiting 2026 info)

Bar Harbor Garden Club Tour: Gardens by the Sea

What: Visit five Bar Harbor gardens

When: July 19, 2025; 10am-4pm Only held on odd-numbered years

Cost: $50 advance only; benefits island nonprofits protecting natural resources, addressing food insecurity, and fostering dedication to horticulture among youth.

What else: Free parking and shuttle service; tour includes five gardens.

Cape Elizabeth Garden Tour

What: Self-guided tour viewing gardens highlighting wildlife habitats and native plants

When: July 19, 2025; 9am-4pm

Cost: $35, available online; benefits Friends of Fort Williams Park.

Camden-Rockport Food Garden Tour

What: Visit home gardens, family farms, and community plots all growing food and meet the gardeners and farmers.

When: Sept. 5 & 7, 2025

Cost: Free, but must register to receive a password for map access.

What else: Sponsored by CamdenCan

*****

Gardens Aglow

What: Holiday light extravaganza at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

When: mid-November to late-December.

Cost: XX adult, XX ages 3-17, $XX age 65+, $XX family including 2 adults and 2 children; for specific date and time. Also available are premium flex tickets, valid whenever garden is open: $XX adult, $XX child, $XX senior, $XX family.

What else: It’s truly worth planning a visit around this annual event, which coincides with Boothbay Lights.

*****

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Maine Restaurant Week is your chance to try a new restaurant or dish, take advantage of great deals, and perhaps enjoy a Maine getaway. This annual, much-appreciated cabin-fever-reliever, first offered in 2009, runs March 1-12, 2026.

This year, more than 40 restaurants are participating (and the list is still growing). While the majority are in Greater Portland (Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Portland, Scarborough, South Portland, Westbrook, Windham, and Yarmouth), you’ll find options sprinkled in Southern Maine, along the coast, and inland: Camden, Hallowell, Kittery, Leeds, Lisbon Falls, Old Orchard Beach, Spruce Head, Wells.

The number keeps growing, so keep checking the participating restaurants, which are listed by town and searchable by specials and three-course menu.

Even better, this event helps support Preble Street, which helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty.

Here’s the Maine Restaurant Week deal

Each participating restaurant will offer either a three-course set menu or Maine Restaurant Week specials. Set menus have three price points: $38, $48, or $58. Do make reservations, as this is one extremely popular annual event.

Special Maine Restaurant Week events

As always, MRW presents a delicious selection of ticketed events:

• Spirit Quest, 1 pm – 4 pm, March 1, $65
• Martini Masterclass at the Camden Harbour Inn, Feb. 28, $75
• Southeast Asian Cooking Class at the Camden Harbour Inn, $87, also available as a lodging package
• Latte Throwdown at Coffee by Design, March 7, doors open at 6 p.m., competition starts at 7 p.m

Stay Awhile

Early March is off-season in most of Maine, so you’re likely to find accommodations at affordable rates.

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If you enjoy pie, you’ll love the annual Pies on Parade, March 14-16, in Midcoast Maine. Participants march through town, fork in hand, to taste dozens of pies of all types, from fruit to pizza, sweet to savory. It’s one of my favorite food-centric events in Maine.

What:

Visit restaurants, museums, hotels, and other businesses in four towns over two days (or just do one day) to sample pies of every sort: fruit, meat, seafood, pizza, and other creative options.

When:

Friday, March 13:  The 2026 Pies on Parade opens with a kickoff at Area Interfaith Outreach in Rockland from 4-6 p.m.

Saturday, March 14: The feeding frenzy begins with pie stops in Camden and Rockport open from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 15: The pie sampling continues at venues in Rockland and Thomaston from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Tickets:

Purchase tour tickets online ($25 for one day; $45 for two days) well in advance to avoid disappointment. This is a popular event.

Benefits:

The event benefits the Area Interfaith Outreach (AIO), which operates food assistance and energyassistance programs for Knox County residents.

Spend the night:

It’s offseason along the coast, and you’ll find many inns, motels, hotels, and B&Bs open and welcoming you for this event.

If You Go:

Check out these Survival Tips.

Now, Go Forth and Eat! It’s for a good cause.

The post Pies on Parade: Have fork will travel sampling pie appeared first on Maine Travel Maven.

Hike in the 100-Mile Wilderness

Using the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins as a base, spend a few days off-the-grid in Maine’s famed 100-Mile Wilderness region, northeast of Greenville.

Built as a private camp in 1867, the AMC completely renovated the lakefront facilities. These include a main lodge, where homestyle meals (included in the rate) are served, eight rustic cabins, a bunkhouse, and a central bathhouse with hot showers and a sauna.

Pack a trail lunch, and head out to explore more than 20 miles of trails. Don’t miss Screw Auger Falls, in Gulf Hagas, the Grand Canyon of Maine. Other good choices include Third and Fourth Mountains and West Chairback Pond Falls. Guests have free use of canoes and kayaks on Long Pond and others stashed on more remote waters, such as Trout Pond, accessible via a 6-mile hike.

Pedal the Maine Coast

Join Summer Feet on a guided bicycle trip along Maine’s Gold Coast. From Portland, guides will transport you to Mount Desert Island. Using that as a base, you’ll explore Acadia National Park, including the Carriage Roads, Park Loop, and Schoodic Peninsula.

The next base is Camden, from which you’ll spend a day kayaking and sailing before pedaling around Islesboro and also Rockport.

The five-night tour includes lodging, most meals, ferries, kayaking and sailing excursions, entrance fees for Acadia National Park, hybrid bike rental, transfers, van support, and more. Summer Feet also has shorter excursions and self-guided tours available.

Begin or add to your birding life list

Osprey or eagle? Woodpecker or warbler? Spend a few hours or days with Maine Guide Michael Good, of Down East Nature Tours. Beginning birders will gain an understanding of native East Coast species. Avid ornithologists might add a coveted bird to their life lists.

Programs range from a four-hour introductory session on Mount Desert Island to advanced searches for unique species in Down East Maine.

Good provides transportation, with pick-up at local accommodations, as well as a spotting scope.

Paddle an ancient Native American route

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail flows through New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Quebec, but more than 350 of its 740 miles are in Maine.

The water-based trail enters Maine at Lake Umbagog and winds northwestward following lakes, rivers, and streams to Fort Kent.

Mapped into 13 sections, the trail’s Maine portion begins with section 8. The maps detail the waterways, portages, dams, communities, and natural sights along the route. That makes it easy to dip your paddle in waters that fit your abilities and travel preferences, creating the perfect-for-you Maine summer outdoor adventure.

Purchase guidebooks and maps (Maine set is $77.50; individual sections are $12.95) and find trip-planning information on the organization’s website.

Climb Katahdin

Mile-high Katahdin, in Baxter State Park, near Millinocket, is Maine’s tallest peak and the end point for those heading north on the Appalachian Trail. Although one single mountain, Katahdin comprises several peaks: Baxter, at 5,267 feet, is the highest.

Climbing Katahdin is a belt-notcher for serious hikers. This strenuous, full-day hike requires being prepared for any type of weather. If summiting this massif isn’t enough, traverse the aptly named Knife Edge. This treacherous 1.1-mile-long granite spine—no wider than 3 feet in places— links Baxter Peak with neighboring Pamola Peak.

Plan well in advance and see the website for details on parking, camping, hiking guidelines, nonresident fees, and especially rules for park use.

Raft a whitewater roller-coaster

Wheeee! Cool off on a hot day with a guided, whitewater rafting trip down the Kennebec, Penobscot, or Dead Rivers. The Kennebec is a fun family escape. Releases for the Dead River vary. Some appeal to thrill seekers, while others are ideal for younger families. The Penobscot, which flows in Katahdin’s shadow, combines rollicking waves with glorious views. On any of these rivers, you might see moose, deer, or other wildlife. Since all three rivers are dam-controlled, rafting trips are offered from spring well into fall. No previous experience is necessary; all equipment is supplied; age and weight limits might prevail.

If you’re heading to the Kennebec or Dead, plan a trip with Northern Outdoors. If you prefer the Penobscot, check in with New England Outdoor Center. Both companies have decades of experience, comfy base facilities with lodging and camping as well as food, and both also offer other outdoor activities.

Explore an uninhabited island

Marshall Island, in Jericho Bay, is the largest undeveloped and uninhabited island on the East Coast. The Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s Ed Woodsum Preserve comprises the entire 985-acre island. You’ll need a boat to access it; charters can be arranged. You’re on your own to explore the seven miles of mostly granite shoreline, two sand beaches, and nearly 6 miles of trails looping the shoreline and the inner forests. An island map can be downloaded from MCHT.

Cruise over a lost village

Cruise over the lost village of Flagstaff aboard a pontoon boat with Flagstaff Lake Scenic Boat Tours. Master Maine Guide Jeff Hinman will explain the lake’s history, tell tales about the village under its waters, and point out local flora and fauna. You might see moose or deer along the shoreline or eagles soaring above the mountain-cradled lake.

Hinman offers a variety of day trips by reservation. These include a scenic historic cruise and a lunch cruise.

Strike it rich!

“Gold bought, sold, and lied about here” proclaims the sign outside Coos Canyon Rock and Gift Shop, in Byron. Check out the exhibits of some of the nuggets found in the Swift River and ask for a free hands-on demonstration. Now try it yourself right across the street. A panning setup is $5 (plus $15 deposit). Or, get fancy with a sluice box for $20 ($150 deposit). Who knows, maybe you’ll strike it rich!

Or, dig for gems, including Maine tourmaline, with Maine Mineral Adventures, which offers Sunday morning field trips to Mt. Mica, the oldest gem mine in the country. Expect to pay about $65/adult, $35/ages 8-16

Jam with the wind

Sure, you can take an hour or half-day sail, but nothing beats casting off all ties to the real world and sailing aboard a Maine Windjammer.  Even better, it’s a budget-controlled situation, because everything is included in the price: cabin, meals, and sail. Some windjammers even include beer and wine. Now, don’t expect fancy accommodations; most are just a few notches above camping, but the experience of being ruled by wind and tide trumps all. The food is always rave-worthy and usually includes a lobster feast. Often, the crew bring out instruments in the evening for live entertainment. Sail from two days to a week or longer; themed cruises—wine, knitting, music, etc.—are offered. Some schooners are family-friendly.

The post Vacation bucket list: 10 terrific Maine summer outdoor adventures appeared first on Maine Travel Maven.

Where to stay in Quebec City

Fairmont Chateau Frontenac

You can often find good packages at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. The Chateau recently completed a $70 million renovation that included all rooms. Although some retain historical decor, others are more contemporary in style; some are tiny, others palatial; some have to-die-for views over the river and old city.

I didn’t stay on the Gold floor, but you might find it worth the premium rate. That includes breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres in an exclusive lounge with great views and a dedicated check-in and concierge service.

Parking is pricey. The public lot below on Dalhousie Street is far less expensive. Ditto for the garage off Cote du Palais. Still, it’s the Frontenac, and it’s humongous!

Check out the exhibits featuring artifacts from the adjacent Parks Canada site on the lowest level.

Look for the hotel’s canine ambassador lounging near the bell desk. $$$$

Le  Monastere des Augustines

I loved Le Monastere des Augustines, an especially green, nonprofit wellness hotel. The hotel is situated in the former Augustine sisters monastery within the city walls and just off St. Jean Street. First, a little history: In 1639, three Augustine sisters arrived here to open a hospital, now sited in the attached building. Over the centuries, they kept detailed written accounts, leaving an impressive legacy shared through 40,000 artifacts in the onsite museum (the hotel is also connected to a church).

Hotel guests are encouraged to unplug and disconnect. Leave your phone at the front desk, or if you must have access, tuck it into its own cozy, hand-knitted pocket at night. Choose from authentic (bare bones, shared baths, but comfy with handmade quilts topping the beds) or contemporary rooms with Hudson Bay blankets and en suite baths. All rooms have a clean, simple decor and nice bedding; none have a TV, radio, or phone.

Spa, holistic health services, yoga, and other classes are available, and specialty retreats are offered. The onsite restaurant serves northern-inspired fare emphasizing fresh organic and local ingredients for breakfast (breakfast is silent), lunch, and dinner. The multi-choice buffet is augmented with a menu with choices for all diets. So if you don’t like what’s in the buffet, you can order something more appealing (the bouillabaisse is fabulous). In addition, other fresh fare and snacks are available in the boutique. Quietude is expected, so this property is not a good choice for anyone traveling with young children. $$-$$$

Manoir Victoria

I stayed at Manoir Victoria a few years ago and liked it. It has a primo location just off Rue St. Jean in the upper section of the Old City, and B&B rates include a nice hot-and-cold buffet breakfast. It’s an excellent choice for families. The rooms are quite large; there’s an indoor pool and a small spa. Parking is available in the adjacent garage. $$$

Auberge St.-Antoine

Wow, just wow! I first stayed at the Auberge St. Antoine when researching an arts story and fell in love with it. This chic and sophisticated yet cozy boutique hotel shares 400 years of history through displays of artifacts throughout the property. Definitely a splurge—this is a Relais & Chateau property—but rates drop in the off-season, and occasionally you’ll find great deals on the discount sites. $$$$

Hotel Terrace Dufferin

I popped into the Hotel Terrace Dufferin, a B&B tucked behind the Chateau Frontenac facing the boardwalk and river, and chatted with some guests. For budget-minded travelers, this is a find. Rooms are nice but not fussy; some have kitchens. A continental breakfast is available for a small fee (but you’d do better elsewhere on that). Some rooms have balconies overlooking the river and the Terrace Dufferin boardwalk. $-$$

Hotel Manoir de l’Esplanade

On my most recent visit (February 2024), I stayed at Hotel Manoir de l’Esplanade. This cozy, family-operated B&B has a primo location just inside the St.-Louis Gate and overlooking the National Assembly. Rates include an expanded continental breakfast served from 7am-10am (don’t miss the maple pastry), with extras on weekends.The hotel offers indoor parking in a nearby garage at a discounted rate. It also exchanges money without adding a fee. Our room with two queen beds dressed in white was comfy and had a fridge, a Nespresso machine, and stone and brick walls reflecting the building’s 1845 construction. $$

Hotel Champlain

I stayed at the Hotel Champlain during a winter visit and loved it! So convenient. It’s on a quiet street in the upper section of the old city, and everything is at your fingertips. Renovated a few years ago, the hotel has a contemporary decor and offers a complimentary espresso bar and an electronic (fee) wine bar in the lobby. Make reservations through the hotel to enjoy the breakfast buffet. Parking is available for a fee (reserve in advance). Pricier rooms have views; some have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs; all rooms have a fridge. $$-$$$

Ice Hotel

Swaddle yourself in layers and chill out at the Ice Hotel, a seasonal accommodation built from snow and ice. There are rooms, suites, and even rooms with fireplaces. Guests may use a sauna and hot tubs and, of course, an ice bar. It’s an adventure and a brag-worthy one at that. $$$$+

Where to eat in Quebec City

Honestly, it’s hard to get a bad meal. Do a little research, and ask locals; everyone has recommendations. Here are places where I’ve enjoyed meals, from inexpensive to pricey. Another great way to eat and learn about local restaurants and specialty food purveyors is by taking a food tour (as noted above).

Chez Boulay — Bistro Boreal

I savored a memorable lunch at this Chez Boulay — Bistro Boreal on St. Jean Street, within the city walls. Chefs Jean-Luc Boulay and Arnaud Marchand celebrate cuisine inspired by the boreal forest. The menu frequently changes to showcase what’s fresh and locally available. Each dish is artfully presented and delicious.

L’Origin

While you can order à la carte at L’Orygin, a bistro featuring locally sourced organic fare, the Discovery Menu is the best deal and well worth the splurge ($90 Cdn as of March 2023). It features five tasting courses with options also for vegetarians and vegans. You also can opt for a wine or non-alcoholic pairing. You pick a dessert, and then the pastry chef prepares a plate featuring it. Highly recommend.

Cafe Le St. Malo

Located on Rue St. Paul, amidst the arts and antiques shops, the Bistro Le St. Malo is cozy, comfy, romantic, and tres French! It’s tiny, so you’ll likely want to make reservations during peak seasons or on weekends at his little gem. In winter, ask for a table by the fireplace. The food is hearty and delicious. Prices are moderate. New owners have promised to honor the founders’ legacy.

Buffet de L’Antiquaire

Practically next door to Cafe Le St. Malo and a budget find, the Buffet de L’Antiquaire serves humongous portions of good, hearty Quebecois fare; meat pies are a specialty. Unless you’re ravenous, consider splitting a main plate and pairing it with a soup, which comes with a plastic-wrapped roll (I’ll forgive them; this place isn’t about fine dining, it’s more of a diner). My lunch could have served a family of four. There’s seating downstairs, at a counter, and upstairs, too. Expect it to be busy; it’s a local favorite but isn’t really on the tourist radar screen. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served.

Restaurant Ophelia

We didn’t have dinner reservations on a Sunday evening during Winter Carnival, so we plodded along the Grand Allée seeking a restaurant that was open, appealing, and had seats. We hit the jackpot at Restaurant Ophelia, a sleek spot with an open kitchen and dining on two levels. I had the roasted cod (delicious!), and my friend raved about the zucchini radiatori ravioli. Service was excellent. It serves lunch and dinner.

DETAILS, DETAILS:

Everything you need to know is on Quebec City’s tourism site.

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“The Abbe Museum is thrilled to be able to bring this vibrant festival to the COA campus again this year,” says Betsy Richards (Cherokee Nation), Executive Director & Senior Partner with Wabanaki Nations. “Native arts and cultures cannot be separated from Native ways of knowing. The Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas celebrates the Native creative economy while also lifting up Indigenous thought leadership vital to the conversation on a healthy planet and society for us all.”

Here’s the full Dawnland Festival schedule.

The post Dawnland Festival celebrates Maine’s Wabanaki culture and ideas appeared first on Maine Travel Maven.

The Brunswick Hotel reopened in May, 2025, after a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. I visited this boutique property in downtown Brunswick, Maine, just after it had reopened. It’s lighter, brighter, and more luxurious and inviting. Another plus: The Noble Kitchen & Bar restaurant expanded its terrace seating.

The downtown location puts Bowdoin College’s campus, the Amtrak/Concord Coach Lines station, the town mall (village green), and shops and restaurants within a five-minute walk. That makes it easy to catch a performance of the Maine State Music Theatre, a concert in the gazebo on the town mall, or snag a last-minute gift. It also means you don’t need a car (parking is free if you have one), making it an easy getaway from Boston or Portland.

What it’s like to stay at The Brunswick Hotel

Public areas

The hotel’s lobby is open and delightful, with white walls, blue accents, and big windows letting in plentiful natural light. A two-sided central fireplace divides the space into sections. Each has comfy seating, and one has a work station. Access to Noble Kitchen & Bar is from the lobby.

Noble Kitchen & Bar

Noble Kitchen & Bar, open from 4 pm Tuesday-Saturday, offers a relaxed place to enjoy modern coastal cuisine prepared from regional ingredients.

Indoor seating includes tables in two sections and at the bar. A big plus here is the outdoor brick patio with a bar. A free-standing gas fireplace adds a nice glow, and large umbrellas shield the sun’s rays.

We dined outside, starting at the bar for creative cocktails and starters and moving to a table for our main courses. The menu makes it hard to choose. We shared fried Brussels sprouts, chicken wings, and baked artichoke dip. All were very good.

Moving on, I had the grilled leek risotto, which I loved. Others raved about the pan-seared scallops, lobster roll, and ramp fettuccini with clams. And I couldn’t resist the root beer float for dessert. I’ve loved them since my grandmother used to make them for me when I was a kidlet. It didn’t disappoint. Mmmmm.

Guest rooms and suites

Lucky me! I checked into a king suite. For starters, this suite is generously sized. The living room alone would be ideal for a small bridal shower. The decor is in keeping with the public areas. Furnishings included a sleeper couch with chaise, a separate easy chair, and a desk chair, along with a double-ring coffee table and a desk, and a huge TV. Artwork adorned the walls, and included a selection of Bowdoin College mementos. A big window at one end let in plentiful light, while a mini-bar with sink, mini-refrigerator, and Keurig anchored the other end of the room.

The corner suite’s bedroom continued the theme, with windows on two sides brightening it all. The king bed was dressed in lovely white linens with a grey throw and bookended by tables with lights. An upholstered bench rested at the foot of the bed. A blue easy chair with a reading light was in a corner. Another large TV was mounted on the wall over a dresser (with enough drawers for those staying a while to unpack). The closet contained bathrobes and a safe. A hall closet hid luggage racks.

Other guestroom types include: superior king, superior double queen, double queen, standard king, and accessible king, all with a mini-fridge. Some rooms are dog-friendly (fee).

See video tour of my king suite below.

What else to know about The Brunswick Hotel

Other amenities include a morning coffee service in the lobby, a daily newspaper, free wifi and local and long-distance phone calls, and on-site self-parking. The hotel also has a fitness room. Continental breakfast is available for $15. Thanks to its downtown location, numerous coffee houses, bakeries, and restaurants are within walking distance.

Bottom Line

The beautifully renovated The Brunswick Hotel is a welcome addition to downtown Brunswick for both lodging and dining.

The post The Brunswick Hotel: What it’s like to stay & eat at this renewed inn appeared first on Maine Travel Maven.

When I eat lobster, I take no prisoners. All that’s identifiable in the carnage left behind are the eyes, antennae, swimmerets (those feathery appendages on the underside of the body), and dismembered carcass. And when finished, I’m literally dripping in lobster juice and goo. The only place for such a messy operation is a classic Maine lobster shack, a sometimes rough-and-tumble operation that’s usually within sight and scent of the ocean.

I’ve dined at lobster shacks from Kittery to Eastport. While some serve only lobster, others offer a full menu ranging from hot dogs to blueberry pie.

I favor the in-the-rough, order-at-the-counter, eat-out-on-a-picnic-table shacks. These are usually pet-friendly and often come with free entertainment: You can watch lobstermen unload their catch, refuel, and restock their boats. No need to dress up — better to dress down so you can skip the bib. Another plus: Most allow you to bring the go-withs; think cheese and crackers, salads and rolls, wine and beer, even tablecloths and flowers.

And remember that while lobster prices reflect market conditions, the farther you travel from the trappings of civilization and the deeper you get into bona fide lobstering territory, the fewer frills and the less costly the goods. These are my favorite lobster shacks from south to north.

(Updated July 30, 2025)

Maine’s Best Lobster Shacks

Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier, Kittery Point

One doesn’t have to venture far over Maine’s southern border to find Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier. This colorful joint overlooking tidal Chauncey Creek has been satisfying lobster lovers since 1948. Aim to arrive at high tide, when the view is nicer and the pier seems to float on the water. You’ll find outdoor seating on the deck and sheltered seating (heated), all at brightly colored picnic tables.

Although lobster is the main attraction—my lobster roll was humongous!—the menu offers choices for landlubbers, including chicken dinners and hot dogs. Also available are mussels, oysters, cherrystones, tuna rolls, and even shrimp. But be forewarned: It can be very crowded, parking is a nightmare, and bug spray is a must.

Cape Pier Chowder House, Cape Porpoise

The scenery is top-notch at the Cape Pier Chowder House, which tops a pier in a traditional lobstering village. The views (bring binoculars) extend to Goat Island Light House. And since there’s inside seating, it’s weatherproof, which gives it a longer season than most. Cape Pier opens in April and goes to November. The menu has a lot more than lobster.

The Lobster Shack, Cape Elizabeth

If you’ve had enough of quaint fishing village vistas, head to The Lobster Shack for bold ocean views. It has everything: rocky ledges, tide pools, crashing surf, a broad menu, dive-bombing seagulls, and a lighthouse (with foghorn – avoid on a foggy day or bring earplugs). It’s a classic—in biz since the 1920s—with frills: dining inside and out and a menu that includes sandwiches and fried seafood.

Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster, South Freeport

Take a break from power shopping L.L. Bean’s and the outlets and head to Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster, a popular spot on the working harbor.

There is not much fuss here; the seating options are picnic tables on the pavement and a tiny dining room. The menu, however, is pretty extensive for a lobster joint. You can decide for yourself whether fried clams are better battered or breaded.

Erica’s Seafood, South Harpswell

Although somewhat off the beaten tourist track, Erica’s is no secret.

This family operation comprises two buildings. At the seafood stand, you can order lobster rolls, fried seafood, burgers, and desserts. At the adjacent lobster shop, you can order lobster (priced by the pound + $1 to steam it). It may sound complicated, but just head to the seafood stand, and they’ll make it easy.

The service is friendly, prices are low, and views extend over Pott’s Harbor to Casco Bay. Seating is available on picnic tables, mostly outdoors, but a few additional ones are in the lobster shop. Cash only.

Holbrook’s Lobster Grill, Cundy’s Harbor

The not-for-profit Holbrook Community Foundation leases the operation of Holbrook’s Wharf & Grill. This is another order-at-the-counter spot with sheltered and open seating on the wharf, but the menu is a few notches above traditional lobster shack fare. It includes the usuals as well as great salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Like Erica’s Seafood, it may be tucked well off the major roads, but locals keep it hoppin’. Also on the premises are a General Store with ice cream and real penny candy and Hawk’s lobster and store.

Five Islands, Georgetown

Five Islands tops a lot of favorite lobster shack lists and for good reasons. For starters, the idyllic setting tips a finger of bridge-connected islands. Snag a wharf-top picnic table, and watch sailboats play hide-and-seek amid the spruce-fringed islands in the harbor and lobster boats chugging to and fro pulling traps.

The headliner is lobster, but there are plenty of other options, from chowder and fish ’n’ chips (hand-breaded) to burgers and chicken tenders. In addition, it earns points for making its own tartar and mustard dill sauces and cilantro mayo. You get the idea: These folks are passionate about their products.

Round Pond Lobstermen’s Co-op, Round Pond

When given a choice, I opt for simplicity: If the joint does only one thing, there’s a better chance it’s doing it right. Take Round Pond Lobstermen’s Co-op, a more-rustic-than-most spot overlooking a picture-postcard harbor. Buddy Poland serves lobster, steamers, corn-on-the-cob, and chips. Period. When he runs low on lobster, he saunters down the dock, climbs into his dingy, putt-putts out to a lobster car — that floating crate where the crustaceans are stored — and brings back reinforcements.

Muscongus Bay Lobster, Round Pond

For those who don’t like lobster (!), just steps away is Muscongus Bay Lobster, a larger and wee bit fancier place with a more extensive menu (and a bar serving wine and beer).

I have friends who favor this spot not only because of the expanded choices — lobster and crab rolls, stews and chowders — but also because it offers some sheltered tables, a big plus if the weather looks threatening. It also serves fresh Damariscotta River oysters, which gives it extra points in my book.

Pemaquid Seafood, Pemaquid

Lobster and fried seafood dominate the menu at Pemaquid Seafood, but those who can’t eat either or prefer not to have a few other choices. Previously known as the Pemaquid Lobster CO-OP, Pemaquid Seafood overlooks the Pemaquid River and the mouth of Pemaquid Harbor. The wharf below welcomes both local working boats and recreational boaters.

This is a classic order-at-the-counter and wait for your number to be called spot. While there is limited indoor seating, most tables are outdoors on a gravel patio or a slightly elevated deck. After feasting on both views and food, continue down the peninsula to the lighthouse punctuating its tip.

McLoon’s, Spruce Head

Dreamy, spruce-fringed island views are alone worth the trip to this off-the-beaten-path shack, but McLoon’s also dishes out mighty fine lobster, lobster rolls, lobster stew, and house-made desserts (sea salt brownies!). And yes, there are choices for landlubbers traveling with you; McLoon’s grills burgers and other fare.

This adorable, red, wharf-side shack has picnic tables on the lawn and patio as well as tables sheltered under a tent. The views are mesmerizing, and you can often watch boats unloading their catches. Trust me, when you think you’re lost, it’s just around another corner or two; it’s worth the extra effort to find this gem.

Fish House Fish, Monhegan Island

Lobster doesn’t get much more in-the-rough than Fish House Fish: a fish shack on a beach on Monhegan Island. Perfection!

You can get boiled lobsters, lobster rolls, crab rolls, seafood stews and chowders, and even appetizers in the form of local smoked fish. Take it all to a picnic table on the beach, overlooking Monhegan’s lobsterboat-filled harbor, with Manana Island as a backdrop. Afterward, mosey up to the museum to learn about the Hermit of Manana (his death was covered by the New York Times).

Monhegan-bound passenger ferries depart from Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor, and Port Clyde.

Young’s Lobster Pound, Belfast

Sure, there’s seating upstairs, which comes in handy on an inclement day, but the best seats at Young’s Lobster Pound are the picnic tables on the deck hanging over Belfast’s harbor. This barn of lobster shack, under fourth-generation ownership, is the real deal: Order at the counter, find a table, set up your spread (tablecloth, flowers, hors d’oeuvres, wine, whatever), and wait for your number to be called.

Watch boats to-ing and fro-ing in the harbor while you wait — I watched a small cruise ship back into the harbor. Oh, and don’t miss the lobster roll: You can get it with mayo or plain, but either way, generous chunks of lobster overflow from the hamburger-style bun.

Perry’s Lobster Shack, Surry

Way, way off the radar screen (and the highway) is Perry’s Lobster Shack, created by the late Perry Long and now run by his grandson Seth Cote. Snag one of the handful of picnic tables on a pier, and wait for service; yup, this place actually has wait staff.

The menu offers lobsters, mussels, corn-on-the-cob, lobster rolls (1/4 pound premium lobster meat on a fresh, chewy bun), crab rolls, and—for the kiddos—corn dogs. And the views? Over the waters of East Blue Hill Bay to Mount Desert Island’s glacier-sculpted peaks.

Note: A winter storm demolished Perry’s pier, but it is rebuilding and expects to double its seating and open by late June.

Thurston’s, Bernard (Mt. Desert Island)

Everyone knows Thurston’s Lobster Pound is an idyllic lobster spot on Mount Desert Island. The two-story, screened-in dining area occupies a wharf above lobster boat-clogged Bass Harbor in a classic fishing village.

Perhaps because it caters not only to tourists but also to the island’s well-heeled summer residents, Thurston’s is quite a bit snazzier (perhaps pricier, too) than most lobster spots. Still, this fifth-generation shaque (shack is too pedestrian) remains an order-at-the-counter place — just be sure to read the rules before doing so. In 2014, Thurston’s added a full bar with a fireplace, screened roll-up walls, and a deck adjacent to the main dining room. Great spot!

Beal’s Lobster Pier, Southwest Harbor

Since coming under new ownership a few years ago, Beal’s Lobster Pier has steadily improved and shows no sign of stopping. Lobstermen unload their catches at the back dock, and guests dine at the wharf-top restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating. There’s more than lobster on the menu and even a full bar. Aim for sunset to savor colorful views over Southwest Harbor.

Lunt’s Dockside Deli, Frenchboro Island

Lunt’s Dockside Deli tops a working wharf over a harbor filled with working boats, not yachts. It’s located well off the beaten path in tiny Frenchboro, on Long Island, eight miles off Mount Desert Island, in Blue Hill Bay. It’s accessible via a Friday passenger ferry from the Maine State Ferry terminal in Bass Harbor or by private water taxi. If you go, don’t miss the museum. Frenchboro also offers fabulous hiking trails.

Lunch on the Wharf, Corea

A relative newcomer in the world of lobster shacks, Lunch on the Wharf began in a wharf-top fishing shack. Joe Young displayed historical photographs of Corea, taken in the 1940s-60s by his aunt, Louise Z. Young, born here in 1919. Louise was a friend of painter Marsden Hartley and snapped many candids of him around the area.

A decade or so ago, Joe, a sixth-generation lobsterman and descendant of Corea’s original settlers, began serving lobsters, lobster rolls, and lobster-grilled-cheese sandwiches (delicious!). Every year, the menu expands a bit (now there are crab claws, baked beans, haddock chowder, oysters, and landlubber fare—hot dogs, sausage, steak’n’cheese), and the wharf-top seating gets a wee bit nicer. The views, however, never change. Corea is a very protected working harbor, edged with trap-lined wharves and filled with working boats. Perfect!

As of 2021, former manager and 7-year employee Wendy Hooper owns Lunch on the Wharf. If, by chance, Joe’s around, be sure to ask him about his aunt and his family’s relationship with Hartley; he’s a great storyteller.

Chipman’s Wharf, Milbridge

Usually, when passing through Milbridge, I beeline for the family-operated Vazquez Mexican Takeout, but this time I checked out Chipman’s Wharf, a working wharf opened by the fourth generation of the Chipman family. A new building added in 2021 houses a seafood market (both fresh and prepared) and a gift shop and offers lunch 11am-3pm daily. And look at that menu and prices (pic taken July 20, 2022; but on July 28, 2025, a meaty lobster roll was $22)! You’ll find tables on the waterfront and an upstairs dining area. When it comes to lobster, it doesn’t get much better than trap-to-table, and here you can see the land-side of how that lobster gets on your plate. And if you need some fare for other meals, Chipman’s has plenty of fresh and premade seafood offerings. I highly recommend the seafood pie; mmmmm!

Look Lobster Quoddy Bay

Yay! Eastport’s lobster shack is back. Look Lobster Quoddy Bay, has replaced Quoddy Bay Seafood and is serving an expanded lobster shack menu. Find the easternmost lobster shack in the United States on the waterfront in Eastport. Snag a shorefront picnic table and savor the Passamaquoddy Bay views along with your feast.

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Lobster shacks aren’t the only way to love Maine’s famed crustacean. Here’s All you need to know about Maine’s lobster shacks, lobster festivals, lobsterboat races, and lobsterboat tours, my guide for lobster lovers.

And if you think lobstermen are only men, read about Maine’s female lobstermen.

Prefer fried seafood? Check out these seafood shacks.

The post Maine’s Best Lobster Shacks: Maine Travel Maven shares her favorites appeared first on Maine Travel Maven.

The Maine Oyster Festival returns June 27-29, 2025, to downtown Freeport. If you love oysters, you’ll want to be there. Even better: Attendance is free, although tastings and some events charge a fee.

Feast on Maine oysters and more

Oysters, natch, are featured raw and cooked at the Maine Oyster Festival sponsored by Visit Freeport.

Sea farms and mobile shuckers will be shucking and serving raw oysters grown along Maine’s coast on Saturday, June 28, from 10 am – 6 pm, and Sunday, June 29, from 10 am – 4 pm. Each tasting ticket, valid for one oyster, costs $3, and advance purchase tickets are available. Last year, more than 40,000 raw oysters were consumed during the Maine Oyster Festival.

Additional oyster dishes and other food choices (including vegan and vegetarian) will be offered by food trucks & mobile vendors such as Cheese the Day, The Ugly Dumpling, Empanada Club, BK’s Fresh Squeezed, Nor’Easter Oyster Co, Colvard & Co, and Lady Shuckers. Oyster menu items include fried oyster po boys, grilled oysters, smoked oyster dip, oyster tacos, and more.

Taste the signature mignonette created for the festival by FIORE Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars and Freeport Oyster Bar. The official festival hot sauce is Scurvy Dog by Captain Mowatt’s Hot Sauce Company. Check out the festival’s new signature condiment: Kimchi Juice, from Kimchi Beyond Compare.

Maine Oyster Festival includes live music, exhibits, and kids’ activities

Learn about the science of oyster farming from the Maine Aquaculture Association and the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, and view US Coast Guard and the Maine Department of Marine Resources exhibits.

Enjoy live music throughout the weekend on the L.L. Bean Discovery Park Stage and a second stage in the Mallard Parking Lot. See full schedule.

Experience hands-on crafts for kids with the Boothbay Sea and Science Center and a touch tank with Tidepool Tim from Gulf of Maine Inc, on Saturday, June 28, from 10 am-6 pm and Sunday, June 29, from 10 am-4 pm.

Oyster and shucking competitions

Sustainable Seafood Advocate Barton Seaver will emcee the Oyster of the Year award ceremony on Saturday, June 28, at 3:00 pm on the Discovery Park Stage. Judges will blind taste oysters from all participating sea farms to choose the Oyster of the Year winner.

The Big Shuck, the professional shuckers’ contest, starts at moon on Sunday, June 29, on the Discovery Park Stage and features planned appearances by two nationally ranked shuckers.

Friday kick-off party

The “Meet the Farmer” kick-off party features live music and includes light appetizers and a beverage. Tickets ($15) for the event, hosted by the Freeport Oyster Bar, benefit the Maine Farmed Seafood Coalition. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

Shop

It’s Freeport, so shop till you drop! Vendors include makers of Maine-made products used in serving or preparing oysters, products made from oyster shells, or other industry by-products, and artworks inspired by the sea. Booths are open on Saturday, June 28, from 10 am – 6 pm and Sunday, June 29, from 10 am – 4 pm.

Easy access

Parking is free and plentiful in Freeport plus a free shuttle service will run from L. L. Bean Corporate Headquarters to the festival site. Better yet: Save the driving and parking hassle and ride Amtrak’s Downeaster train to downtown Freeport.

—

Love food? Check out Maine’s Best Food Festivals.

The post Slurp, shuck, and sip at Maine Oyster Festival appeared first on Maine Travel Maven.

I scream, you scream for Maine-made ice cream

Summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime…

Years ago, when I edited a national specialty food publication, the president of one large out-of-state gourmet ice cream manufacturer called me to pitch his new super-premium line and asked for the address to send samples. When I replied with the Maine address, he was crushed. “Oh forget it,” he said. “We don’t even try to sell our ice cream in Maine. Maine has the best ice cream.” He’s right.

My first job was scooping ice cream at long-gone Deering Ice Cream in South Portland. Since then, I’ve been an ice cream aficionado. I’m not a fan of commercial ice creams or from-away concoctions. The truth about ice cream is, the closer you get to the source, the better the product will be, and in Maine, that’s easy to do. Like jimmies (a.k.a. sprinkles) on a cone, dairy bars serving Maine-made ice cream dot the state. (Updated July 23, 2025)

Where to find the best ice cream made in Maine

Here are Maine’s best shops: Each makes its own ice cream, gelato, or custard. Let me know if I’ve missed one of your faves; this remains a work in progress, and I can use your input. Remember, to qualify, a shop must make its own ice cream or gelato. (FYI: Shain’s, Gifford’s, Pugnuts, Shaker Pond, and Roundtop are Maine ice cream brands that can also be found in many other small Maine ice cream shops.) This list doesn’t include soft serve. 

— I haven’t been to every shop…yet…, but * indicates my favorites.

—Just in case you want to immerse yourself in Maine’s favorite foods, here’s a link to my favorite Maine lobster shacks.

—And if chocolate is your favorite ice cream flavor, then check out my Maine Coast Chocolate Trail for artisan chocolatiers.

Southern Coast

Yorks

• Coppa Magica Gelato
• The Goldenrod

Alfred

• Shaker Pond Ice Cream *

Sanford

• Shain’s of Maine
• Shaw’s Ridge Farm

Ogunquit

• Caffe Prego
• Big Daddy’s

Wells

• Big Daddy’s

Kennebunk/Kennebunkport

• Rococo Artisan Ice Cream 
• Goose Rocks Ice Cream
• Big Daddy’s

Biddeford

• Sweetcream Dairy *

Saco

• Garside’s
• Martel’s

Old Orchard Beach

• Fielder’s Choice
• Big Licks
• Dolce Crema Cafe

Scarborough

• Maine Scoop (formerly Bailey’s)
• Len Libby

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Greater Portland

Portland

• Beals
• Mount Desert Island Ice Cream *
• Gorgeous Gelato *
• Gelato Fiasco *
• Sticky Sweet vegan ice cream (nondairy) (NOTE: currently closed)
• Zephyr Ice
• Coastal Creamery
• Maine Flavor (vegan ice cream)

South Portland

• Willard Scoops

Cape Elizabeth

• Kettle Cove Creamery and Café

Gorham

• Beals

Westbrook

• Smiling Hill Farm

North Yarmouth

• Toot’s

Freeport

• Mainely Custard (also has vegan ice cream)

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Mid-Coast

Brunswick

• Gelato Fiasco *
• Fielder’s Choice

Edgecomb

• Blanchard’s Creamery *

Boothbay Harbor

• Downeast Ice Cream Factory

Damariscotta

• Round Top

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Penobscot Bay

Rockport

• Freya’s *

Rockland

• Dorman’s Dairy Dream

Belfast

• Wild Cow Creamery *

Searsport

• Stone Fox Creamery *

Liberty

• John’s

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Acadia

Surry

• Pugnuts *

Blue Hill

• Sea & Tree Gelato (follow on IG to find where and when)

Ellsworth

• Morton’s Moo *

Bar Harbor

• Mount Desert Island Ice Cream *
• Ben & Bill’s Ice Cream
• Udder Heaven

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Down East

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Kennebec Valley

Randolph

• Deb’s Ice Cream & Mini Golf

Manchester

• Fielder’s Choice

South China

• Back’s Dairy Bar

Winthrop

• Fast Eddy’s

Wayne

• Tubby’s

Waterville

• North Street Dairy Cone
• Giffords
• Maine Coast Ice Cream

Skowhegan

• Giffords

Madison

• Kennebec Ice Kreamery

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Western Lakes & Mountains

Gray

• B&R Dairy Bar

New Gloucester

• Bresca & the Honey Bee *

Raymond

• The Mosquito

Casco

• Raymond’s Frozen Custard

Lovell

• The Cricket Country Store

Mechanic Falls

• Freeze Company 

Norway

• Dolce Amici

Poland

• The Log Yard Dairy Bar

Raymond

• The Inside Scoop

South Paris

• The Inside Scoop

Sabattus

• Fielder’s Choice

Auburn

• Fielder’s Choice

Lisbon Falls

• The Big Dipper

Lisbon

• Smiley’s

Mechanic Falls

• Freeze Kompany

Farmington

• Sandy River Farm  * (by the pint)     

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Maine Highlands

Bangor

• Wild Cow Creamery *
• Gifford’s

Bradley

• Spencer’s

Dover-Foxcroft

• Butterfield’s

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Aroostook County

Houlton

• Houlton Farms

Presque Isle

• Houlton Farms

Caribou

• Goughan’s Farm
• Houlton Farms

The post Maine’s best ice cream: Here’s where to find fresh, Maine-made ice cream statewide appeared first on Maine Travel Maven.

Hungry for a taste of the real Maine? Feast upon this tasting portion of some of Maine’s best food festivals and events. (Updated July 12, 2025)

March

• Maine Restaurant Week

Restaurants from throughout Maine participate in this annual 10-day event. Take advantage of set-price menus and enjoy special food/drink-oriented events. Note: most participants are in Greater Portland, but each year more and more participate from other parts of the state.

• Maine Maple Sunday

The sweetest day of the year! Maple sugar houses statewide are open for tours, tastings, and other activities.

April

• Smelt Fry Dinner, Columbia Falls

Never tried a smelt? Here’s your opportunity. The menu at this annual community supper might include Pleasant River smelts, Maine Potato Growers potato, salad, moose stew, coleslaw, Maine-grown baked beans & DSF-grown organic blueberry cobbler; hatchery tours, music, and more.

• Seaweed Week, statewide

Celebrate Maine-grown and harvested seafood with food and drink specials and events, such as seaweed field ID workshops, science cafes, and a seaweed art, film, and science expo.

June

• Maine Whoopie Pie Festival, Dover-Foxcroft

Make whoopie! More than 20 bakers from throughout Maine offer their versions of Maine’s official state treat at one of Maine’s best food festivals. Also on tap: concerts, activities, and other whoopie-themed family fun.

• South Berwick Strawberry Festival, South Berwick

Strawberry shortcake! And live music, artisans, children’s activities, and more. Dishing out the sweetest berries since 1976.

• Maine Donut Festival, Rockport

Who doesn’t love doughnuts?! According to the organizers: “Rockport is widely celebrated as the home to the creator of the donut, Captain Hanson Crockett Gregory – commemorated on a plaque in Rockport and acknowledged by the Smithsonian. Given this, it is a great reason to bring the community together to celebrate – on a weekend that also happens to coincide with National Donut Day – the first weekend of June each year!”

• Maine Oyster Festival, Freeport

Go ahead and slurp! Your world is an oyster — tastings, tours, demos, live music, kids’ activities, shucking contest, and much, much more. Admission is free, but individual events and activities may have a fee.

Portland Greek Festival, Portland

Feast on authentic Greek fare, listen to Greek music, and dance at this annual festival put on by Holy Tribity Greek Orthodox Church.

July

• Moxie Festival, Lisbon

Patented as a medicine by Dr. Augustine Thompson in 1876, Moxie was guaranteed to cure such ills as paralysis, softening of the brain, and loss of manhood.” Maybe not, but it’s always worth celebrating this unusual soft drink. Always the second weekend in July.

• St. Demetrios Greek Festival, Saco

homeade Greek food including patties, Greek music and dancing, a Greek market, and kids’ activities highlight this three-day weekend festival.

• Yarmouth Clam Festival, Yarmouth

Awe shucks, always the third Friday in July, always crowded, always worth it.

• Maine Potato Blossom Festival, Fort Fairfield

Celebrating the Maine spud since 1937 with farmer Olympics, road races, arts & crafts, fireworks, river races, mashed potato wrestling, and more.

• The Kneading Conference & Artisan Bread Fair, Skowhegan

You knead to attend this: Promotes grain traditions from earth to the hearth. A must for bread bakers and/or lovers.

August

• Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland

The Jaws of claws when it comes to Maine’s lobster festivals. Five days of food and fun, including arts and crafts, entertainment, steins and vines, a seafood cooking contest, an international crate race, a huge parade, races, competitions, children’s events, and more.

• Frenchboro Lobster Dinner

Annual shindig with music, silent auction, the All the Road We Got footrace, and a lobster+ dinner. The ferry makes a special run from Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island to the island for this event.

• Winter Harbor Lobster Festival, Winter Harbor

Lobster, of course, but also a craft fair, parade, and lobster boat races.

• Ploye Festival, Fort Kent

Celebrating the traditional buckwheat pancake with the world’s-largest ploye and ploye-eating and ploye-wrestling competitions.

• Red Hot Dog Festival, Dexter

It’s a Maine thing. And yes, there’s a hot dog-eating competition.

• Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, Machias

Feeling blue? This will cure ya. Wild times in Machias with blueberry everything. Themed events include a musical, baking and eating contests, food vendors, and public breakfasts and suppers. Note: Other blueberry festivals are held in Wilton and Union.

• Chili-Fest, Wells

Hot enough for ya? Category winners at this International Chili Society-sanctioned event may qualify for the World Chili Championship Cook-Offs.

• Maine Salmon and Seafood Festival, Eastport

Celebrating seafood salmon with food, tours, and activities; always Labor Day weekend

September

• Maine Cheese Festival

Cheese it’s good to see you at this all-cheese-all-the-time annual wingding.

• Common Ground Fair, Unity

Annual agricultural fair sponsored by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Organic foods, progressive organizations, traditional fair fun without the carnival, sideshows, or usual fried fare. Always the third weekend in September.

• Maine Lobster Week

This week-long celebration held during the week coinciding with National Lobster Day (Sept. 25) highlights Maine’s favorite crustacean with lobster-focused specialties and menus at participating lobster shacks, food trucks, and restaurants, from fish shacks to fine-dining venues.

• Maine Lakes Brew Fest, Point Sebago

A real brewhaha. Always the last Saturday in September.

October

• Maine’s Garlicfest, Skowhegan

Come for the music, crafts, and kids’ activities at this annual harvest festival highlighting the stinking rose.

• Harvest on the Harbor, Portland

Maine’s biggest foodie event, with workshops, tastings, celebrity chefs, cook-offs, and more.

November

• Maine Harvest Festival, Bangor

Celebrating farm-fresh fare, of course.

The post Maine’s best food festivals & events appeared first on Maine Travel Maven.

The tri-level, glass-walled Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory caps the 447-foot-high west tower, delivering jaw-dropping views over Penobscot Bay, the Camden Hills, Mount Desert Island, and even Katahdin, the state’s highest peak.

But be forewarned: The tower’s elevator zips up 40 stories before opening to floor-to-ceiling glass windows framing the Penobscot River. It’s shocking for most and terrifying for those with a fear of heights. Continue to the top level for the best head-swiveling views. Placards label the various mountains and lakes within sight. (Updated May 2, 2025)

Access to the observatory is through Fort Knox, a 125-acre state historic site built to protect the upper Penobscot River and named for Major General Henry Knox, George Washington’s first secretary of war. Although construction on the sprawling granite fort began in 1844, it was never finished and never saw battle. “It was very well thought out and planned, and that may have been its best defense,” according to a guide.

The fort overlooks the river and Bucksport. Bring a picnic to enjoy the views and a flashlight to explore the fort’s underground passages.

Tickets, including the fort, range from $3 to $9.50. The fort, dating from 1844, is beautifully restored and a great place for a picnic. It’s also the site of frequent re-enactments and other special events, ranging from a Renaissance Fair to Fright at the Fort, a Halloween spooktacular.

Penobscot Narrows Bridge fun facts

• Maine’s first cable-stay bridge (similar to Boston’s Zakim) opened in 2007, replacing the 75-year-old Waldo Hancock suspension bridge. It’s twice as high as the original.
• The Washington Monument, built around the same time as Fork Knox, inspired the designers, who used the same Maine granite as the monument’s foundation.
• The observatory is the world’s tallest bridge observatory and the only one in the United States.
• It usually takes a decade to construct a bridge of this type, but his one was completed in 3.5 years.
• The only gold in this Fort Knox is pyrite, a.k.a. Fool’s Gold.

The post Maine’s unique Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory appeared first on Maine Travel Maven.

The romanticism of lighthouse life has motivated many a traveler to seek out a Maine lighthouse or two, and there are numerous ways to do so.

Many of Maine’s 64 beacons can be viewed from land, some only by boat, and lighthouse-themed excursion boats depart from many coastal communities.

A few Maine lighthouses are regularly open to visitors (Owls Head and Rockland Breakwater, for instance). Other beacons are accessible only by special tour or during events.

If you’re keen to sleep in a Maine lighthouse, a few offer that opportunity.

Here are seven ways to experience Maine’s light-keeping heritage. (Updated March 26, 2026)

Become enlightened at a Maine lighthouse museum

The Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland is home to the nation’s most extensive collection of Fresnel lenses and a boatload of other artifacts related to lighthouses, the Coast Guard, lifesaving stations, and the sea. It’s a must for any lighthouse lover.

While that’s the biggie for lighthouse museums, other troves of lighthouse lore can be seen in museums at:

• Owls Head Light, Portland Headlight, Cape Elizabeth
• Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Pemaquid (you can climb the tower)
• Marshall Point Lighthouse, tipping the Port Clyde Peninsula
• Burnt Coat Harbor Light Station, Swan’s Island (accessible by ferry from Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island, but you’ll need a car or bicycle to reach the lighthouse)

Don’t miss Monhegan Island Light, part of the Monhegan Museum complex, where tower tours are available, and the Keeper’s House and Assistant Keeper’s House are filled with history and art.

Tour beacons on Maine Open Lighthouse Day

On Maine Open Lighthouse Day, held in early- to mid-September each year, tour more than two dozen lighthouses salting the Maine Coast from Biddeford to Lubec. Most participating sites are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for guided or self-guided tours of the keeper’s houses and/or the light towers. Some are only accessible by boat, and usually, excursion boats operate special cruises for the event.

Follow the Deer Isle Lighthouse Trail

Follow the Deer Isle Lighthouse Trail to see eight lighthouses guarding the local waters: Pumpkin Island, Eagle Island, Mark Island, Isle au Haut, Goose Rocks, Brown’s Head, Saddleback Ledge, and Heron Neck. Purchase a Lighthouse Passport and get it stamped at each.

Three area beacons are viewable from shore, but the rest require a boat. Isle au Haut Ferry Service offers lighthouse-themed tours.

Join the party at a special Maine lighthouse open house

While some Maine lighthouses are regularly open to the public, these beacons are accessible only during special events.

Usually, the West Quoddy Head Light Keepers Association hosts an annual Lighthouse Celebration at the Lubec beacon in early July. In addition to live music, food vendors, raffles, and special activities, the U.S. Coast Guard usually offers tower tours during the day. NOTE: The tower may also be open on Saturdays or for other special events; check the site for details.

The Friends of Cutler’s Little River Lighthouse usually schedules an open house each summer. Transportation is provided from Cutler Town Wharf to the island in small open boats; children must supply their life jackets. Refreshments are usually available on the island. Events are weather-dependent.

Visit Wood Island Light

Volunteers from the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse, located off the coast of Biddeford, offer 1.5-hour guided tours of the lighthouse, which dates from 1806. Those ages 10 and older may climb the 60 stairs to the tower’s lantern room and even crawl through the two-foot-square hatch that accesses the walkway ringing the top. Tours, offered in July and August, depart from Vine’s Landing in Biddeford Pool. Reservations are required and can be made online.

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Stay in a Maine lighthouse

Pemaquid Point Light

Few lighthouses are as dramatically sited at Pemaquid Point; even fewer have been featured on the Maine state quarter. Inside the Keepers House at Pemaquid Point Light, a second-floor, one-bedroom apartment that sleeps four is available for rental by the week from June through October. Off-season rentals require a minimum of 3 nights.

Little River Light House

Friends of the Little River Light House have made it possible to overnight at the light guarding Cutler’s harbor. Guests stay in three bedrooms, all sharing two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen, and must bring linens or sleeping bags, towels, food, beverages, and bottled water. The minimum age for an overnight stay is 12. Boat transportation is provided, with the tide determining times.

Whitehead Light Station

Whitehead Light Station, located on Whitehead Island at the mouth of Penobscot Bay, offers rentals. It also offers three- to five-day adult enrichment courses, such as a knitters retreat, craft beer appreciation, and writing and history programs. The 11.1-acre island is home to a seven-bedroom keeper’s house (rental includes full use of the island, transportation, mainland parking, local boating excursions, services of a skipper, and linens).

Seguin Island Light Station

Join the Friends of Seguin Island Light Station (207-443-4808, from $50 ) and be eligible to camp on the island, located at the mouth of the Kennebec River. Or, with a $350 donation (subject to increase), spend a night in the lighthouse. The rustic accommodations include two bedrooms, minimal kitchen facilities, a private bathroom (composting toilet) with running water, and an outhouse. Be sure to read the details of what’s provided and what you must bring. Guests must arrange transportation, and getting to the dock can be tricky.

Goose Rocks Light

Overnights at Goose Rocks Light help Beacon Preservation fund projects to restore and preserve the beacon. The light, located off North Haven Island, is surrounded by water; there is no accessible land. Up to six adults (min. age is 18) can sleep in two bedrooms and one bunkroom. Lighthouse volunteers provide transportation from the North Haven Island ferry terminal.

Burnt Coat Harbor Light

You can book a week’s stay in the Burnt Coat Harbor Light Keeper’s House atop Hockamock Head on Swans Island. The second-floor apartment has a bedroom that sleeps two, a fully equipped kitchen, a separate living room, and a full bathroom. The minimum rental is one week.

Pedal the coast on the Maine Lighthouse Ride

Cruise the coast on a bicycle and view up to nine lighthouses on the annual September Maine Lighthouse Ride. Choose from 25-, 40-, 62- or 100-mile bicycle rides with options for beginners to experienced pedalers. Registration fees vary with distance and include rest stops with food and water and a post-ride celebration. All rides depart from the Southern Maine Community College campus in South Portland. Class I and II e-bikes are permitted. Proceeds benefit the Eastern Trail, a signed, 65-mile bicycle route between Kittery and South Portland.

 • Read about saving lighthouses: Keepers of the Flame: Blind Hope and Passion Fuel Lighthouse Restorations

The post Light up your life: Visit a Maine lighthouse this summer appeared first on Maine Travel Maven.

You can go home again. At least, my return to Sugarloaf Mountain Resort felt that way. I’ve been a Sugarloafer since, well, let’s just say a long time. I first skied here as a child, and for more than 20 years, we spent winters in Carrabassett Valley. Alas, we sold our place just before the pandemic (sound of me banging my head on my desk). It was the right decision then, but I’ve missed the place.

A few weeks ago, I returned to the ‘loaf for a couple of nights at the slopeside Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel in the mountain village just steps from the base lodge. For a ski trip, you can’t beat the location. I came to check out the new lift and trails on Sugarloaf’s West Mountain.

Sugarloaf’s West Mountain comes of age

Truth is, I always liked the ‘loaf’s western flank, with Scoot being one of my favorite trails. It rocks and rolls, ebbing and flowing down the mountain. Sometimes, I’d cut over to Glancer; other times, I’d stay on Scoot until it ran into Windrow. Nothing too challenging here, just solid skiing with good snow.

On crowded days, I’d stay over on this side, taking the clunky old Bucksaw double chair. It was slow, but the crowds were elsewhere, and the skiing was grand. I cried when they took that lift out.

The new, wind-resistant, high-speed Bucksaw Express quad has replaced that old double, providing quick access to Bullwinkle’s, Sugarloaf’s mid-mountain lodge and 12 new beginner/intermediate trails on 120 new skiable acres. Sugarloaf never had enough of the terrain that helps beginners advance to intermediates, and these new trails here solve that problem. And they do so in a way that any skier will love. Tip: Chipper wraps around the mountain’s western edge and delivers swoon-worthy, mostly wilderness views, taking in Crocker Mountain to the Bigelows. Just heavenly.

Another plus: If you already have your ticket or a pass and don’t mind booting up at the car, park in lot E or F on the right side of the Access Road. They edge Bucksaw.

What makes Sugarloaf special

With 1,360 developed, skiable acres, Sugarloaf lays claim to the most skiable acreage in the East (keep in mind that some of it isn’t lift-accessed). Its 4,237-foot summit makes it Maine’s highest winter resort. That elevation also makes its summit Snowfields the East’s only lift-serviced, above-treelike skiing.

Stats are dry, but what really differentiates the ‘loaf is its people. Sugarloafers are a cult. They built this mountain, they ski hard, they play hard, and they’ll defend this place to death. To better understand this phenomenon, I highly recommend reading A Town Build By Ski Bums: The Story of Carrabassett Valley, Maine.” Author Virginia M. Wright meticulously researched this book, as evidenced in the back-of-book Resources pages listing sources consulted and interviews conducted. (Note: A great gift for the Sugarloafer in your life).

Another thing that makes Sugarloaf special is its long season: It usually remains open until May, with some of the best skiing often found from mid-March through mid-April. So, no excuses: There’s still plenty of time to visit during this season. Enjoy!

Where to stay: Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel

Why: Location, location, location

Plusses: 30-person outdoor hot tub, ski lockers, restaurant, fitness room

Worthwhile options: Consider splurging on valet parking ($15/day), especially if the temps are frigid and/or there’s snow in the forecast (unless you love shoveling).

What to know: The hotel charges a 12% activity fee per night, which includes, among other things, nightly s’mores, snowshoe rental, ice skates rental at the Outdoor Center, and ski locker storage.

Where to eat

Bullwinkle’s, a full-service bistro on the mountain.

D’Ellie’s in the base village. Always a great choice for breakfast or lunch.

The Bag, in the base village: You can’t depart Sugarloaf without indulging in a Bag Burger. Seriously, trust me on this.

The Rack, on the access road: Ribs! Pizza! And a rollicking ski bar atmosphere that’s family-friendly.

45 North, in the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel: The chef here loves playing with big flavors.

Apres-ski

The Widowmaker, on the top level of the base lodge, is usually rocking with live music.

Other good bets are The Bag and The Rack (especially in spring, when the crowd overflows outdoors).

The post Sugarloaf’s West Mountain expansion appeared first on Maine Travel Maven.

Whether you’re looking to entertain the kids or to finish (start?) your holiday shopping, the free family-oriented fun Freeport Fall Festival is the answer. This year marks the event’s 25th anniversary, so the line-up of activities, entertainers, and craft vendors is especially fine. Best of all, this even puts the free in Freeport. Of course, you can be tempted to open your wallet to purchase crafts from participating vendors, merchandise at outlets and shops, or food from restaurants and trucks, but you also can simply come and enjoy it all.

Eight reasons this free family-oriented and fun festival

1. Free admission.
2. Free, plentiful parking and a free, wheelchair-accessible shuttle service operating between L.L. Bean Corporate HQ and all festival sites.
3. Free kid’s activities include:

Face painting is just one of many free family-oriented events at the Freeport Fall Festival

• a magical quest with Kids Arcanum,
• hands-on science with author Katie Coppens,
• gem trees with Wolf Willow Trees,
• face painting & glitter tattoos with Party Palooga, and
• other activities and crafts hosted by Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Maine Maritime Museum, Wolfe’s Neck Center, Meetinghouse Arts, The Center for Arts & Ecology at the Desert of Maine, the Freeport Lionesses, Freeport Community Services, Freeport Community Library, Maine Family Sea Farm Cooperative, Taro Health, Renewal by Andersen, and the State of Maine Office of MaineCare Services.

4. With more than 225 juried artists, makers, and food producers, the Freeport Fall Festival provides one-stop shopping for your holiday shopping needs. You’ll also discover the most artists and makers in one location during the annual Maine Craft Weekend. Visit Freeport is a 2024 Featured City.
5. Find your favorite foods at eight food trucks:

• PB&ME,
• Mr. Tuna,
• Jeff’s Jamaican,
• Empanada Club,
• Pinky D’s Poutine Factory,
• L/A Taco,
• The Ugly Dumpling, and
• Meet on the Street.

6. View blacksmithing and knife-making demos with Nick Rossi Knives.
7. Enjoy free live music by 25 diverse acts throughout the weekend on two stages: wo stages
   the L.L.Bean Discovery Park Stage and the Mallard Parking Lot Stage. Notable performances include Nashville recording artist Charlotte Morris, award-winning Mainers: Paddy Mills, Sara Trunzo and Jack Fossett, and an old-timey string band show by the Bank Mules.

   

8. NEW Rising Stars (ages 13 – 18) and Mini Makers Market (ages 12 and under.) The new market will be located inside Freeport Village Station, Suite 350E and open on Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm only. Shop for artwork and products made by Maine’s up-and-coming creators!

Details, details

For more details and a full event schedule see Freeport Fall Festival.

The Freeport Fall Festival is presented by Visit Freeport. Formed under the name Freeport Merchants Association in 1977, Visit Freeport serves as the information bureau and destination marketing organization for Freeport, Maine. The office and information center are located at 115 Main St., next to L.L.Bean.

All photos are courtesy of Visit Freeport.

The post Why attend the Free Freeport Fall Festival appeared first on Maine Travel Maven.

Ogunquit’s dreamy Dunes on the Waterfront could be a Hollywood set. White picket fences set off the adorable one- to three-bedroom white clapboard cottages trimmed with green shutters spread out on grassy lawns, with shade trees and colorful gardens. The property edges the tidal Ogunquit River and takes its name from the dunes separating the river from the beach beyond.

The cottage colony reopened in May, and I went in mid-July to see the changes new owner Tim Harrington had made. Harrington, known for taking tired or dated properties and turning them into luxury destinations, has left his mark on numerous inns in the Kennebunks and on Mount Desert Island.

Former devotees of The Dunes—many who’ve been returning for generations—may not like the upscaling of the classic cottages. Nor may they be able to afford the rates, which begin at around $1,000 per night (which includes numerous perks). But Harrington knows his clientele; they’ll love the Dunes on the Waterfront.

Inside a Dunes on the Waterfront cottage

The door to my one-bedroom cottage opened into the living room, with French doors at one end opening to a patio with Adirondack-style chairs and distant water views. The jaunty nautical décor included a steamer trunk-style coffee table, an elaborate coral chandelier, waves painted on dresser drawers, seascapes, and a sailor’s valentine. The white-and-beige color palette had small pops of color and pattern. Outlets and ports were plentiful, and a small Bose speaker was in the living room.

My cottage’s comfy furnishings, with gas fireplaces and TVs in the bedroom and the living room, encouraged relaxing and putting my feet up. When temperatures cooled, I pulled a small blanket draped on a chair over my legs for warmth. Perfect!

A well-equipped kitchenette in the hallway separating the living room and bathroom offered a microwave, a toaster, and a two-drawer fridge. Soft drinks, juices, and a bottle of rose filled one drawer, and an ice maker was in the other. A basket on the counter held a range of snacks, from cookies to popcorn. Adjacent to it was a Nespresso machine with supplies, but alas, no electric kettle for making tea. The rate includes snacks and drinks. Shelves above the counter held dishes and glasses (surprisingly, no wine glasses), and a drawer held silverware.

The spacious bedroom had a king-size bed with top-notch bedding and linens. Nightstands with reading lights bookended the bed. Cozy robes were in the closet. The en suite bathroom had a large shower and a spacious vanity. The only thing missing was a full-length mirror.

Amenities and Extras at the Dunes on the Waterfront

When I checked in at the lodge, the desk attendant offered me a welcome glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne; nice! The lodge also has coffee and hot water for tea (Harney tea, excellent!). You can order coffee drinks, light breakfasts, and snack boards at the small bar where cookies magically appear every afternoon.

The Dunes makes it easy to cocoon within the colony and not deal with crowds. Grassy lawns with gardens and mature trees surround the cottages. Guests can use two waterfront docks, one with paddleboards and kayaks and the other with row boats, to cross the river and get to the beach. A shuttle boat also operates occasionally, but not while I was there. Guests can stop in the lodge to pick up a beach bag, beach chairs, and an umbrella.

A good-sized outdoor heated pool is rimmed with lounge chairs and umbrellas and has a couple of floating doughnuts for guests to flop upon. Its views earned it a place on my list of Maine’s best outdoor pools with ocean views. Beyond the pool and closer to the river is a firepit rimmed by chairs; s’mores kits are available in the lodge. Lawn games are available, and yoga is offered twice weekly.

The Dunes also offers a local shuttle service on a street-legal golf cart. It makes scheduled runs to Footbridge Beach, Main Beach, and downtown. In addition, you can request a shuttle at any time, and if staff is available, they’ll take you. The temps and humidity were miserable during my visit, so I availed myself of the service a few times.

There’s no need to leave

Now, about that cocooning. A pastry of the day from Bread & Roses Bakery is delivered to the cottage every morning, and light fare is available to order before 4 pm. On my first night, not wanting to try to dine out on a weekend without reservations, I ordered a Mediterranean plate ( a generous bento-style box with feta cheese, Greek olives, hummus, pickled onions, prosciutto, and crackers). About 15 minutes later, a staff member delivered it to me, and I took that and a glass of wine out on the patio for a lovely evening.

The next night, it was raining, and again, I didn’t want to fight the crowds and rain, so I pulled the Mediterranean plate out of the fridge drawer and enjoyed more of that. Another option is to walk to the Ogunquit Lobster Pound, next door, or just beyond that to Big Daddy’s, which makes its ice cream.

But Ogunquit awaits

Of course, there’s plenty more to Ogunquit than the beach. One night, I went to the Ogunquit Playhouse for a fabulous evening at this summer stock theater where Broadway actors and known stars perform. Tip: If you’ll be in Ogunquit, get tickets for whatever is playing.

And don’t miss the fabulous oceanfront Ogunquit Museum of American Art.

Most excursion boats depart from Perkins Cove, a jumble of former fish shacks turned into shops and restaurants. A pedestrian draw bridge crosses the cozy harbor. I enjoyed a meaty lobster roll at the Lobster Shack, a rustic spot with indoor tables and air-conditioning, but other options are on the menu.

The Marginal Way, a paved footpath edging the cliffs and pocket beaches, connects Perkins Cove with the downtown. I shopped my way from downtown to Perkins Cove and then returned along this historical path, stopping often to sit on a bench and savor the views.

Final thoughts

The Dunes on the Waterfront’s staff are perhaps its most vital asset. They’re friendly and eager to help. Whenever I stopped to ask someone a question, they eagerly replied or offered to get the answer. When I went to the lodge to order the Mediterranean plate, I missed the 4 pm cutoff by about 10 minutes, but a staff member said she could make it, suggested I return to my cottage, and she’d deliver it, which she did.

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